HOMEOWNERS should make fire prevention part of their home security package, as being prepared for a fire emergency can literally save lives.
This is an issue that people don’t think about often, but is a big possibility considering the common causes of fires in the home.
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Fires spread quickly, which is what makes them so dangerous and devastating.
It generally takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to escalate into a major fire.
But not all fires are caused by human negligence. Environmental factors and changing weather patterns also contribute to runaway veld fires, which can quickly spread to suburbs and destroy property and lives, as was the case in Cape Town recently.
While the majority of household fires are accidental, there are several ways to mitigate the risk of a fire breaking out in the home at all.
Smoke detectors are an affordable early-warning system and should ideally be placed in every room in the home.
These are most valuable in an emergency if they are linked to an armed response service provider.
Common sources of household fires include:
* Worn or damaged electrical cables on appliances
* Lit cigarettes left unattended
* Fire places or burning candles left unattended
* Children playing with matches
* Heaters and electric blankets
* Burning oil on a stove top
* Braai fires left unattended
Most of these fire risks would be accelerated by another source, for example, curtains near a heater or a thatched lapa near a braai fire. This is why it is important to keep the areas around any potential fire hazards clear of flammable materials.
10 tips to prevent a fire at home:
1. Install smoke detectors and link these to your armed response service provider
2. Buy a fire extinguisher from a reputable dealer and know how to use it
3. Know who to phone in an emergency – have the numbers on speed dial and on the fridge
4. Note the warnings on appliances, for example do not cover heaters or use them for any other purpose
5. Check electrical cabling regularly and do not use it if it sparks or trips the power
6. Do not overload plug sockets
7. Never leave a burning candle, fireplace or a pot of oil on the stove unattended, and do not try to put an oil fire in the kitchen out with water (it needs to be smothered)
8. If cooking with gas, close the valve tightly when you have finished using it
9. Store flammable liquids safely away from children and open flames
10. If you notice a veld fire near your house, contact the fire department immediately
To prevent the loss of lives and property, everyone needs to be aware of the danger of a fire breaking out at home and should have a safety plan in place.
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